Sclerotherapy is a good treatment option for spider and varicose veins. Avena offers foam sclerotherapy for larger varicose veins and liquid sclerotherapy for the smaller varicose veins and for spider veins.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sterile solution (called a sclerosing agent) into the vein, which causes irritation of the vein walls. This irritation leads the vein to close and gradually fade over time. Cosmetic improvement is usually seen in 3-6 weeks when spider veins are treated but it may take 3–4 months to see improvement when larger veins are treated.
Large Vein Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy for larger veins may be used for primary treatment of varicose veins, and is covered by most insurance companies, if determined medically necessary. The sclerosing agent is Sotradecol (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) and is FDA approved. Injections are usually guided by ultrasound. Compression stockings are required for 2 weeks following the sclerotherapy injections. You can return to normal activities immediately, except for strenuous exercise, prolonged standing, or hot baths or showers for 48 hours after treatment.
Small Vein (Cosmetic) Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic medical procedure used to treat reticular and spider veins. A tiny needle is used to inject a solution directly into the vein. The treatment involves the injection of FDA approved Asclera (polidocanol) into the affected veins. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot.
Spider veins are very small and very fine red or blue veins. They are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like a thin red line, tree branches or spider webs. Reticular veins can also be known as feeder veins. They are the blue and green veins beneath the surface of the skin.
The number of veins injected in one session is variable, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the patient’s overall medical condition. Anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions may be needed for any vein region. You can return to normal activities immediately, except for strenuous exercise, prolonged standing, or hot baths or showers for 48 hours after treatment.
Side Effects
There is a stinging and burning sensation associated with the injections, which usually lasts for a few seconds. When larger veins are injected there can be a cramping sensation for a minute or two. Bruising is normal and temporary. You may develop a hard, tender, cord-like feeling of the vein. This is scarring inside the vein and will gradually dissolve. To improve cosmetic results and to decrease the risks of complications, compression stockings or bandages are generally worn for 1–2 weeks following the procedure. Complications from sclerotherapy are uncommon and include skin discoloration, blood clots and allergic reactions.